BALL JOINTS | WITH OR WITHOUT? | WHICH ONE?

[BTR]

2000 Explorer; 2WD; replacing lower ball joints.

When I look at new ball joints, I see that some come with the dust boot installed on the ball joint, while others come with the dust boot not installed. Since an adapter (part of the ball joint tool kit) must be used when pressing the new new ball joint into the A-arm, will the adapter damage the dust boot? In other words, is it better to buy a new ball joint that has the dust boot installed, or one that comes with the dust boot not installed? Thanks.

 

[boominXplorer]

Get the moog ones, they now have a smaller inner dust boot that doesn't get in the way at all installing.

 

[koda2000]

Using the ball joint installation tool will not damage the boots.

Tip: Be sure to face the grease relief valve/nipple of the boot (if so equipped) away from your brake rotor.

 

[XLTrunner]

X2 on the Moog Problem Solvers. You won't have any problem installing them with the tool.